The International Double Reed Society was established in December 1971. The first edition of To the World’s Oboists was published in 1972 and The Journal of the International Double Reed Society was started in 1973.

In 1998 the Journal of the International Double Reed Society was discontinued. In 1999 the publication was changed to The Double Reed, the quarterly publication that is still being delivered to our members via mail and digital PDF. When The Double Reed was first published in 1999, it went out with a special 25th Anniversary edition and CD.

In 2021 IDRS will celebrate 50 years! This exciting milestone will be celebrated with a brand new 50th year commission and our annual conference. As we approach our half-centennial, IDRS is proud to continue growing as a community and serving as a resource for double reed members across the world!